Source: www.stltoday.com
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA, August 16, 2009: Members of the Hindu Temple of St. Louis on Saturday vividly marked Indian Independence Day.
India gained its independence from almost two centuries of British colonial rule on Aug. 15, 1947. Since then, people in India and those of Indian descent throughout the world have honored the day with ceremonies, entertainment and cultural programs. The celebration started with the raising of both the Indian and U.S. flags at the Mahatma Gandhi Center, just outside the temple.
Sundar Varanasi, secretary of the India Association of St. Louis, said about 10,000 people of Indian descent live in the St. Louis area, and that the number has been growing each year, as more Indians migrate to the United States.